Bello announces plans to “bring Monroe back” in 2021 State of the County address

Original article posted in 13 WHAM.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Monroe County Executive Adam Bello delivered the 2021 State of the County Address at SeaBreeze Amusement Park Monday night.

His speech started off with a video montage of how the county handled the COVID-19 crisis by funding small businesses, guide schools and head vaccination efforts.

“We prepared, we planned for the unexpected and we adjusted on a dime,” he said.

Part of his recovery plan is to redesign human services. The Forensic Intervention team staff of three will be increased to 20 full-time clinicians working 24/7. Bello also said the county is launching a systemic redesign of services to help families get short and long-term help.

“For far too long, our human service delivery system has been completely backwards. We must bring services to people not wait for them to come to us.”

Bello announced infrastructure upgrades, including $10.7 million in road repairs and a parks revitalization imitative called “Go Outside Monroe”. It will invest $7.5 million in renovating and upgrading park facilities and infrastructure, updating park restrooms to be ADA compliant and more.

To improve workforce development, Bello announces an enforced training program at MCC and the creation of full-time jobs in Monroe County through companies like Amazon, Plug Power, IEC Electronics, SunDensity, Hyzon and Li-Cycle.

The county will continue to help small businesses recoup from the pandemic. $2 million in loans that were given in April 2020 will be converted into grants. Bello announced a new grant program that will provide $20 million to recovering small businesses.

“We know these dollars were make or break for so many small business in our community and they still need our help so I say lets do it again,” said Bello.

Monroe County received $140 million through American Rescue Plan Funding. Bello said the county will gather community feedback on how to invest the money.